Carton and blank therefor

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carrier (90) for packaging a plurality of flanged articles (B), a blank (10) for forming the carrier. The carrier comprises a top panel (18), a bottom panel (12/14) and first (16) and second (20) side panels. The bottom panel is hingedly connected to a first side panel along a first fold line (15) and extends toward the second side panel. A retention feature (H2) is disposed in at least at the second side panel for engaging an article. The bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion (14) hingedly connected to a distal panel portion (12) along a second fold line (13). The second fold line extends parallel to and is spaced from the first fold line. The bottom panel comprises a retention assisting tab (40) for engaging an article. The retention assisting tab is formed from at least the proximal panel portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming thesame. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to acarrier having a retention feature for stabilising or securing anarticle within the carrier.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carryingmultiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful forenabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articlesfor consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartonsor carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible andcause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed aspossible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and itssuitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. Itis desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within thecarton.

It is an object of the present invention to provide to a carrier havinga retention feature for stabilising or securing an article within thecarrier. It is desirable to minimise or reduce the material required toproduce the carrier for economic and environmental benefit.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field ofcartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a carrier for packaging aplurality of articles. The carrier comprises a top panel, a bottom paneland first and second side panels. The bottom panel is hingedly connectedto the first side panel along a first fold line and extends toward thesecond side panel. A retention feature is disposed in at least at thesecond side panel for engaging an article. The bottom panel comprises aproximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portionalong a second fold line. The second fold line extends parallel to andis spaced apart from the first fold line. The bottom panel comprises aretention assisting tab for engaging an article. The retention assistingtab is formed from at least the proximal panel portion and is hingedlyconnected to the distal panel portion. The retention assisting tab isdisposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retentionassisting tab and the retention feature are disposed on a commonnotional line perpendicular to the first fold line.

Optionally, the common notional line may pass through a longitudinalmid-point of the hinged connection between the retention assisting taband the distal panel portion.

Optionally, the common notional line may pass through a centre of thearticle being engaged by the retention assisting tab.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an articlecarrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls ofthe carrier. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel, a bottompanel and first and second side panels. The bottom panel is hingedlyconnected to the first side panel along a first fold line and extendstoward the second side panel. A retention feature is disposed in atleast at the second side panel for engaging an article. The bottom panelcomprises a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panelportion along a second fold line. The second fold line extends parallelto and is spaced apart from the first fold line. The bottom panelcomprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article. Theretention assisting tab is formed from at least the proximal panelportion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion. Theretention assisting tab is disposed in alignment with the retentionfeature such that the retention assisting tab and the retention featureare disposed on a common notional line perpendicular to the first foldline.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier forpackaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises aplurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure which mayinclude a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second sidewall and a second base wall. The carrier comprises a composite base wallformed from two at least partially overlapping layers of sheet materialand including an inner layer provided by the second base wall and anouter layer provided by the first base wall. A first retention featureis provided for engaging an article in a first row of articles andcomprises a first retention tab. A second retention feature is providedfor engaging an article in a second row of articles. The second row ofarticles is disposed adjacent to the first row of articles. The secondretention feature has a second retention tab. The second retention tabis hinged in opposition to the first retention tab. The first base panelcomprises a proximal portion, a distal portion hingedly connected to theproximal by a first hinged connection; and a third retention feature.The third retention feature comprises a retention assisting tab forengaging an article. The retention assisting tab is formed from at leastthe proximal portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panelportion. The retention assisting tab is hinged in opposition to thesecond retention tab.

Optionally, the carrier comprises a top engaging device for flangedarticles.

Optionally, the articles are disconnected.

Optionally, the articles are connected to each other via theirrespective flanges.

Optionally, the retention assisting tab is disposed in alignment withthe retention feature such that the retention assisting tab and theretention feature are disposed on a common notional line perpendicularto the first fold line.

Optionally, the first retention tab engages with a first article in aradially outward direction with respect to the first article.

Optionally, the retention assisting tab engages with a second article,adjacent the first article, in a radially outward direction with respectto the second article.

Optionally, the second retention tab engages with the second article ina radially outward direction a with respect to the second article.

Optionally, the articles comprise an internal surface and wherein thefirst, second and third retention features engage said internal surface.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carrier.The blank comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubularstructure which may include a top wall, a first side wall, a first basewall, a second side wall and a second base wall. The carrier comprises acomposite base wall formed from two at least partially overlappinglayers of sheet material and including an inner layer provided by thesecond base wall and an outer layer provided by the first base wall. Afirst retention feature is provided for engaging an article in a firstrow of articles and comprises a first retention tab. A second retentionfeature is provided for engaging an article in a second row of articles.The second row of articles is disposed adjacent to the first row ofarticles. The second retention feature has a second retention tab. Thesecond retention tab is hinged in opposition to the first retention tab.The first base panel comprises a proximal portion, a distal portionhingedly connected to the proximal by a first hinged connection; and athird retention feature. The third retention feature comprises aretention assisting tab for engaging an article. The retention assistingtab is formed from at least the proximal portion and is hingedlyconnected to the distal panel portion. The retention assisting tab ishinged in opposition to the second retention tab.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the variousaspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in thepreceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following descriptionand drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof.For example, features described in connection with one embodiment areapplicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility offeatures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from theblank of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A and 5B are perspective views from below of stages ofconstruction of the carton of FIG. 2 from the blank of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks andcartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects ofthe invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive listof all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, theword “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serveas illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will beunderstood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may beembodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are notnecessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimisedto show details of particular components. Well-known components,materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail inorder to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable offorming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in FIG. 2, for containing andcarrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to,flanged containers, cups or yoghurt pots, hereinafter referred to asarticles B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging atleast one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier”refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various featuresof the invention, to a container 90 for engaging and carrying articlesB, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that theteachings of the invention can be applied to various product containersB, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplarycontainers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plasticsbottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets andthe like.

The blank 10 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to beunderstood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includesall manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugatedboard, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It shouldbe recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, wheresuitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described inmore detail below.

The packaging structure or carton 90 described herein may be formed froma sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated withmaterials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet materialis tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. Itshould be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided bymore than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package.Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have differentcharacteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of thesheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may beparticularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating orother surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of thesheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be providedwith a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provideproperties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability,heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form acarton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplaryarticles B. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is an m x nmatrix or array, having two rows (m=2) and two columns (n=2); in theillustrated embodiment two rows of three articles B are provided, andthe articles B are individual 112 g cups with a cover or film lid ametallic or plastic material such as, but not limited to, Aluminium orPET (polyester—polyethylene terephthalate). Alternatively, the blank 10can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, numberand size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a differentarrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fullyenclosed cartons or basket carriers, the articles B may be bottles orcans.

Turning to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton90 (see FIG. 2) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprisesa plurality of main panels 12/14, 16, 18, 20, 22 for forming a tubularstructure. The plurality of main panels 12/14, 16, 18, 20, 22 comprisesa first base panel (or outer layer) 12/14 having a distal portion 12 andproximal portion 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a secondside panel 20, and a second base panel or securing flap (or inner layer)22. The plurality of panels 12/14, 16, 18, 20, 22 may be arranged in alinear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15,17, 19, 21.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2.The first and second base panels 12/14, 22 are engageable with oneanother in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall12/14/22 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementarylocking mechanism for securing the first base panel 12/14 to the secondbase panel 22. The distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 maycomprise at least one first part M of the complementary lockingmechanism. The second base panel 22 may comprise at least one secondpart F of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustratedembodiment, the distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14comprises a male tab M extending from a free end edge opposing fold line13 hingedly connecting the distal portion 12 to the proximal portion 14.The male tab M is hingedly connected to the distal portion 12 of thefirst base panel 12/14 by hinged connection in the form of a fold line11.

The second part F of the complementary locking mechanism forms areceiver for receiving the male tab M.

The second base panel 22 comprises a female tab defining an opening orslot in the second base panel 22 forming at least in part the receiver.The opening in the second base panel 22 is configured to receive themale tabs M. The female tab is arranged to be displaced out of thesecond base panel 22 to form an opening and to bear against the male tabM when received therein. In some embodiments the complementary lockingmechanism M/F may be omitted, the first and second base panels 12, 20may be secured to each other by other means, such as but not limited toadhesive or staples.

In the illustrated embodiment the second part F comprises a plurality ofcut lines 60, 62, 64, 66, 68. A first cut line 60 is disposedcollinearly with the fold line 21 hingedly connecting the second basepanel 22 to the second side panel 20. The first cut line 60 interruptsthe fold line 21. A first pair of fold lines 62, 64 extend from opposedends of the first cut line 60 into the second side panel 20. The firstpair of fold lines 62, 64 may be divergently arranged with respect toeach other. The first pair of fold lines 62, 64 define a firstdisplaceable portion provided in the second side panel 20. A second pairof fold lines 66, 68 extend from opposed ends of the first cut line 60into the second base panel 22. The second pair of fold lines 66, 68 maybe arranged in parallel with respect to each other. The second pair offold lines 66, 68 define a second displaceable portion provided in thesecond base panel 22.

The blank 10 is adapted to accommodate four articles B arranged in a 2×2matrix or array. The blank 10 comprises four top engaging structures T.Each of the top engaging structures T is substantially similar inconstruction and will be described with reference to a top engagingstructure T provided in the second side panel 20.

Each of the top engaging structures T comprises an opening A1 (see FIG.2) defined by a cut line or severable line 30. The cut line 30 is struckfrom at least the second side panel 20. Optionally, the cut line 30 iscurved or arcuate in shape. The cut line 30 interrupts the fold line 19between the top panel 18 and the second side panel 20. When the secondside panel 20 is folded with respect to the top panel 18, about foldline 19, the cut line 30 opens up to form the opening A1 which canreceive a portion of an article B. In the illustrated embodiment theopening Al1receives a flange F of an article B, best illustrated in FIG.2.

The cut lines 30 each define a protrusion P (see FIG. 2) extending fromthe side edges of the top panel 18 and integrally formed therewith. Theprotrusions P are struck from material which would otherwise form thesecond side panel 20. In this way protrusions P may be considered to bestruck from one of the first and second side panels 16, 20. Theprotrusions P each form a protective top cover fora portion of anarticle B which is received in the opening A1 formed by folding the sidepanels 16, 20, see FIG. 2.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one heel engagement structure H1/H2for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank 10illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises four heel engagement structures H1/H2each is provided for engaging a respective article B. The blank 10comprises a pair of first heel engagement structures H1 and a pair ofsecond heel engagement structures H2. Each of the first heel engagementstructures H1 is substantially similar in construction and will bedescribed in further detail by reference to one of the first heelengagement structures H1 provided in the first side panel 16. Each ofthe second heel engagement structures H2 is substantially similar inconstruction and will be described in further detail by reference to oneof the second heel engagement structures H2 provided in the second sidepanel 20.

The first heel engagement structure H1 comprises a retention tab 44. Theretention tab 44 is defined at least in part by a first cut line orseverable line 47. The first cut line 47 interrupts the fold line 15hingedly connecting the first side panel 16 to the proximal portion 14of the first base panel 12/14. The first cut line 47 may be non-linear,formed from at least two linear cut lines divergently arranged withrespect to each other and contiguous with each other, alternatively thefirst cut line 47 may be curved or arcuate in shape. In the illustratedembodiment the first cut line 47 is substantially ‘U’ shaped. A secondcutline or severance line 49 may extend from the first cut line 47; thesecond cutline or severance line 49 may extend from the middle or centreof the first cut line 47. The second cutline or severance line 49 may bearranged to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 15.

The first retention tab 44 may comprise a pair of divergently arrangedcut lines 45 a, 45 b which define fold lines so that corner portions ofthe first retention tab 44 may be folded thereabout. The cut lines 45 a,45 b are arranged to converge toward the first cut line 47. It will beappreciated that cut lines 45 a, 45 b may be replaced with fold or scorelines to provide a hinged connection between each corner portion and thefirst retention tab 44.

The first retention tab 44 is hingedly connected to the proximal portion14 of the first base panel 12/14 by a hinged connection in the form of afold line 43. The fold line 43 may be nonlinear or curvilinear in shape.

The second heel engagement structure H2 comprises a second retention tab50. The second retention tab 50 is defined at least in part by a firstcut line or severable line 53. The first cut line 53 interrupts the foldline 21 hingedly connecting the second side panel 20 to the second basepanel 22. The first cut line 53 may be non-linear, formed from at leasttwo linear cut lines divergently arranged with respect to each other andcontiguous with each other, alternatively the first cut line 53 may becurved or arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodiment the first cutline 53 is substantially ‘U’ shaped. A second cutline or severance line57 may extend from the first cut line 53; the second cutline orseverance line 57 may extend from the middle or centre of the first cutline 53. The second cutline or severance line 57 may be arranged to beoriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 21.

The second retention tab 50 may comprise a pair of divergently arrangedcut lines 53, 55 which define fold lines so that corner portions of thesecond retention tab 50 may be folded thereabout. The cut lines 53, 55are arranged to converge toward the first cut line 53. It will beappreciated that cut lines 53, 55 may be replaced with fold or scorelines to provide a hinged connection between each corner portion and thesecond retention tab 50.

The second retention tab 50 is hingedly connected to the second basepanel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51. The foldline 51 may be nonlinear or curvilinear in shape.

The second retention tabs 50 may be smaller in dimension than the firstretention tabs 44. The pair of second retention tabs 50 are spaced apartfrom each other.

The receiver of the complementary locking mechanism may be providedbetween an adjacently disposed pair of second retention tabs 50.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one further or third heel engagementstructure H3 for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B.The blank 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises two further heel engagementstructures H3 each is provided for engaging a respective article B. Eachof the further heel engagement structures H3 is substantially similar inconstruction and will be described in further detail by reference to oneof the further heel engagement structures H3 provided in the first basepanel 12/14.

The third heel engagement structure H3 comprises a retention assistingtab 40. The retention assisting tab 40 is defined at least in part by afirst cut line or severable line 42 a. The first cut line 42 ainterrupts the fold line 13 hingedly connecting the distal portion 12 ofthe first base panel 12/14 to the proximal portion 14 of the first basepanel 12/14. The first cut line 42 a may be non-linear, formed from atleast two linear cut lines divergently arranged with respect to eachother and contiguous with each other, alternatively the first cut line42 a may be curved or arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodimentthe first cut line 42 a is substantially ‘U’ shaped.

The retention assisting tab 40 may comprise a pair of divergentlyarranged cut lines 41 a, 41 b which define fold lines so that cornerportions of the retention assisting tab 40 may be folded thereabout. Thecut lines 41 a, 41 b are arranged to converge toward the first cut line42 a. It will be appreciated that cut lines 41 a, 41 b may be replacedwith fold or score lines to provide a hinged connection between eachcorner portion and the retention assisting tab 40.

The retention assisting tab 40 is hingedly connected to the distalportion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 42 b. The fold line 42 b may be nonlinear orcurvilinear in shape.

Optionally, the blank 10 may comprise an access device in the form of atear strip. The tear strip is defined at least in part by a pair ofseverance lines T1, T2 defined in the first side panel 16. The tearstrip may comprise a tear initiation tab I defined by a cutlineinterrupting the fold line 17 hingedly connecting the first side panelto the top panel 18.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2,the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operationsin a straight-line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to berotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process isnot limited to that described below and may be altered according toparticular manufacturing requirements.

A group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2 four articles B are arranged in a 2×2 array. The top panel 18 ofthe blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a topwall 18 of the carton 90. In FIG. 3A the group of articles B and toppanel 18 are illustrated from below, so as to give the impression thatinverted articles B have been placed upon the inner surface of the toppanel 18.

The first and second side walls 16, 20 are folded, with respect to thetop panel 18 about fold lines 17, 19 respectively, about opposing sidesof the group of articles B so as to be disposed about the opposing sidesof the group of articles B, as shown in FIG. 3B. A flange or skirt S ofeach article B is received in a respective one of the openings A1 of thetop engaging structures T created when first and second side walls 16,20 are folded, best shown in FIG. 2.

The second base panel 22 is folded about the fold line 21 so as to bedisposed adjacent the base of the group of articles B. Each of thesecond retention tabs 50 engages with an adjacently disposed article B.The articles B may comprise a recessed base or a lip or chime C, asshown in FIG. 2, with which the second retention tabs 50 engages.

The first base panel 12/14 is folded about the fold line 15 so as to bedisposed adjacent the base of the group of articles B. Each of the firstretention tabs 44 engages with an adjacently disposed article B. Thearticles B comprise a recessed base, a lip, rim or chime C with whichthe first retention tabs 44 engages. In this way the articles B comprisean engageable internal edge or surface.

The distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 is folded withrespect to the proximal portion 14, about the fold line 15, such thatthe retention assisting tabs 40 are displaced out of the plane of theproximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14. The proximal portion14 of the first base panel 12/14 is folded to be disposed adjacent thebase of the pair of articles B adjacent to the first side panel 16. Indoing so each of the retention assisting tabs 40 is brought intoengagement with a respective one of the pair of articles B adjacent tothe second side panel 20. Each retention assisting tab 40 is laterallyaligned with the article B with which it is engaged.

The retention assisting tabs 40 engage with articles B disposed in a rowof articles B adjacent to the row of articles B which are engaged by thefirst retention tabs 44.

The retention assisting tabs 40 may engage with articles B disposed in adifferent row of articles B to the row of articles B which are engagedby the first retention tabs 44.

The retention assisting tabs 40 may engage with articles B disposed inthe same row of articles which are engaged by the second retention tabs50.

The assembled carton 90 is shown in FIGS. 2. The flange F of eacharticle B has been at least partially received in the opening A1 of thetop engaging structure T. In the illustrated embodiment the articles Bare disconnected or individual cups which are disposed in closeproximity to their adjacent neighbours. The articles B are tapered inshape, they can be considered to be substantially frusto-conical inshape, albeit inverted such that the end having the smaller diameter isin contact with the composite base panel 12/14/22 and the end having thelarger diameter is in contact with the top panel 18.

A void or gap exists between lower portions of two adjacent articles B.

The retention assisting tabs 40 may encourage the articles B adjacent tothe second side panel 20 towards the articles B adjacent to the firstside panel 16 and hence towards the first side panels 16.

The second retention tabs 50 may encourage, push or force, the articlesB adjacent to the second side panel 20 in an opposing direction, towardsthe second side panel 20. The second retention tabs 50 may encourage thearticles B adjacent to the second side panel 20 into engagement with theopening A1 of the top engaging structures T provided in second sidepanel 20.

The first retention tabs 44 may encourage, push or force, the articles Badjacent to the first side panel 16 in towards the first side panel 16.The first retention tabs 44 may encourage the articles B adjacent to thefirst side panel 16 into engagement with the openings Al of the topengaging structures T provided in first side panel 16.

Each of the retention assisting tabs 40 may have the effect ofencouraging an article B in a first row, adjacent to the second sidepanel 20, and an article B in an adjacent row towards each other. In theillustrated embodiment the adjacent row is disposed adjacent to thefirst side panel 16.

The retention assisting tabs 40 have the effect of encouraging thearticles in a transverse direction, which is to say in a directionperpendicular to a tubular axis of the carton 90.

In this way the retention assisting tabs 40 may be advantageous inmaintaining secure engagement of the articles with their respective topengaging structure T. This may ensure the articles B are securely heldwithin the carton 90 during transportation.

The retention assisting tabs 40 may have the effect of preventing orinhibiting tilting or rotation of the articles B, which is to say in adirection perpendicular to a tubular axis of the carton 90.

The present disclosure provides a carton 90 for packaging articles B.The carton 90 may comprise a top engaging device T for flanged articlesB, such as flanged cups. The cups may be disconnected or may connectedto each other via their respective flanges. The carton 90 comprises acomposite wall 12/14/22 formed from two at least partially overlappinglayers of sheet material and including an inner layer 22 and an outerlayer 12/14. The carton 90 comprises a plurality of panels forming wallsof a tubular structure which may include a top wall 18, a first sidewall 16, a base wall 12/14/22, and a second side wall 20, optionallyhingedly connected to each other in a linear series.

The carton 90 comprises a first retention feature H1 for engaging anarticle Bin a first row of articles B and a second retention feature H2for engaging an article B in a second row of articles B, the second rowof articles B being disposed adjacent to the first row of articles B.

The first retention feature H1 comprising a first retention tab 44. Thesecond retention feature

H2 comprising a second retention tab 50. The first retention tab 44 ishinged in opposition to the second retention tab 50.

The base panel 12/14 comprises a proximal portion, a distal portionhingedly connected to the proximal by a first hinged connection 13, anda third retention feature H3. The third retention feature H3 comprises aretention assisting tab 40 for engaging an article B. The retentionassisting tab 40 is formed from at least the proximal panel portion 14and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion 12.

The retention assisting tab 40 is hinged in opposition to the secondretention tab 50.

The retention assisting tab 40 is disposed in alignment with theretention feature H2 such that the retention assisting tab 40 and theretention feature H2 are disposed on a common notional line Lperpendicular to the first fold line, shown in FIG. 5B. The commonnotional line L extends through the centre of an articles B in each ofthe rows of articles B said articles being adjacent each other in atransverse direction with respect to the tubular structure of the carton90.

The first retention tab 44 engages with a first article B in a radiallyoutward direction with respect to the first article B.

The retention assisting tab 40 engages with a second article B, adjacentthe first article B, in a radially outward direction with respect to thesecond article B.

The second retention tab 50 engages with the second article B in aradially outward direction a with respect to the second article B.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 for packagingarticles comprising a top panel 18, a bottom panel 12/14 and first andsecond side panels 16,20. The bottom panel 12/14 is hingedly connectedto a first side panel 16 along a first fold line 15 and extends towardthe second side panel 20. A retention feature H2 is disposed in at leastat the second side panel for engaging an article. T bottom panel 12/14comprises a proximal panel portion 14 hingedly connected to a distalpanel portion 12 along a second fold line 13 extending parallel to andspaced from the first fold line 15. The bottom panel 12/14 comprises aretention assisting tab 44 for engaging an article B. The retentionassisting tab 44 is formed from at least the proximal panel portion 14and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion 12. The retentionassisting tab 44 is disposed in alignment with the retention feature H2such that the retention assisting tab 44 and the retention feature H2are disposed on a common notional line L perpendicular to the first foldline.

The common notional line L may pass through a longitudinal mid-point ofthe hinged connection between the retention assisting tab and the distalpanel portion 12.

The common notional line L may pass through a centre of the article Bbeing engaged by the retention assisting tab 44.

An advantage of the present disclosure is that the requirement for acentre keel or spacer structure to be provided in the void betweenarticles B in adjacent rows is avoided or negated, this reduces thematerial required to produce the carton 90 and blank 10.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scopeof the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panelsand apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing sizeor shape.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references suchas “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”,“outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respectivepanels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish thesepanels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer toall manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitatefolding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwiseindicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to“hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring toa single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed fromtwo or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may beeither straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear foldlines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with eachother or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinearfold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other todefine a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear foldlines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pairof arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such thatthey define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may beformed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinearfold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise acombination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold linewhich intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shapedpanel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following:a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line ofperforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a singlehalf-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line ofscores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can eachinclude elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank includingperforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line ofhalf-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits,scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can bedimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. Forexample, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed withdegrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. Theline of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resistbreaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with moreeffort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment oftwo or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed ina first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in asecond of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with eachother may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thicknessof the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a firstpanel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that isplaced in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge ofthe aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of thesecond aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness ofthe first and second panels, with the second aperture.

1. An article carrier for packaging articles comprising a top panel, a bottom panel and first and second side panels wherein the bottom panel is hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first fold line and extending toward the second side panel, wherein a retention feature is disposed in at least the second side panel for engaging an article, wherein the bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portion along a second fold line extending parallel to and spaced from the first fold line, wherein the bottom panel comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article, the retention assisting tab being formed from at least the proximal panel portion and hingedly connected to the distal panel portion, and wherein the retention assisting tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention assisting tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common notional line perpendicular to the first fold line.
 2. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the common notional line passes through a longitudinal mid-point of the hinged connection between the retention assisting tab and the distal panel portion.
 3. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the common notional line passes through a center of the article being engaged by the retention assisting tab.
 4. A blank for forming a carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of the carrier, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel and first and second side panels wherein the bottom panel is hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first fold line and extending toward the second side panel, wherein a retention feature is disposed in at least the second side panel for engaging an article, wherein the bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portion along a second fold line extending parallel to and spaced from the first fold line, wherein the bottom panel comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article, the retention assisting tab being formed from at least the proximal panel portion and hingedly connected to the distal panel portion, and wherein the retention assisting tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention assisting tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common notional line perpendicular to the first fold line.
 5. An article carrier for packaging articles in a first row of one or more articles and a second row of one or more articles disposed adjacent to the first row, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second side wall and a second base wall, the carrier comprising: a composite base wall formed from two at least partially overlapping layers of sheet material and including an inner layer provided by the second base wall and an outer layer provided by the first base wall; a first retention feature for engaging an article in the first row and comprising a first retention tab; a second retention feature for engaging an article in the second row and comprising a second retention tab, wherein the second retention tab is hinged in opposition to the first retention tab; wherein the first base panel comprises: a proximal portion; a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal portion by a first hinged connection; and a third retention feature; wherein the third retention feature comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article, the retention assisting tab being formed from at least the proximal portion and hingedly connected to the distal portion, and wherein the retention assisting tab is hinged in opposition to the second retention tab.
 6. An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the carrier comprises a top engaging device for flanged articles.
 7. An article carrier according to claim 6, wherein the articles are disconnected.
 8. An article carrier according to claim 6, wherein the articles are connected to each other via their respective flanges.
 9. An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the retention assisting tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention assisting tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common notional line perpendicular to the first fold line.
 10. An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the first retention tab engages with a first article in a radially outward direction with respect to the first article.
 11. An article carrier according to claim 10, wherein the retention assisting tab engages with a second article, adjacent the first article, in a radially outward direction with respect to the second article.
 12. An article carrier according to claim 11, wherein the second retention tab engages with the second article in a radially outward direction with respect to the second article.
 13. An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the articles comprise an internal surface and wherein the first, second and third retention features engage said internal surface.
 14. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second side wall and a second base wall, the second base wall arranged to provide an inner layer of a composite base wall and the first base wall arranged to provide an outer layer of the composite base wall and configured to be in at least partially overlapping arrangement with the second base wall; the blank further comprising: a first retention feature for engaging an article in a first row of one or more articles and comprising a first retention tab; a second retention feature for engaging an article in a second row of one or more articles, the second row being disposed adjacent to the first row, the second retention feature comprising a second retention tab, wherein the second retention tab is hinged in opposition to the first retention tab; wherein the first base panel comprises: a proximal portion; a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal portion by a first hinged connection; and a third retention feature; wherein the third retention feature comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article, the retention assisting tab being formed from at least the proximal portion and hingedly connected to the distal portion, and wherein the retention assisting tab is hinged in opposition to the second retention tab. 